Comic Vine News

Making Sense of the 'Justice League' Film Rumor

A huge rumor recently dropped about the 'Justice League' movie and it has fans asking a lot of questions. We do our best to speculate how it could all fall into place.

The thought of The Man of Steel serving as the set-up for Justice League gives me goosebumps. Overall, I love Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy (wasn't the biggest fan of TDKR, though), but I think it's best left as a standalone series. I don't believe it should tie into the bigger DC movieverse. Presenting us with a new Batman (and maybe even Robin) and making us accept that as the status quo wouldn't be difficult... but I'm not the one making those calls, am I? I'd clearly prefer a "fresh start" for Batman and his connection to DC's iconic team, but, if the latest rumor is to be believed, that's not what Warner Bros. is doing.

If Latino Review's scoop turns out to be true, that means Nolan's universe will transfer into the bigger picture. Actor Christian Bale will reprise his role as The Dark Knight and his three films will merge into this expansive universe. However, according to ComicBookMovie , only half of the rumor is true. They claim Nolan will serve as the creative consultant for the DC films, but Bale won't return. If that's true, that means it would be a new beginning for Bruce in the JL film.

Some love this idea, some loathe it. Regardless of which side you're on, we're all wondering how it'll work. Well, I'm here to speculate a bit about that. After all, Marvel Studios is making a film about a talking space Raccoon with massive guns and a space tree creature. So, Warner Bros. should be able to make sense of this, right?

What about "Robin?"

Make this happen, Warner Bros.

Despite that cheesy first name (oh, come on), there's no reason to believe we'll see Joseph Gordon-Levitt flipping around in a pair of green undies. What if Justice League takes place several years after Rises? That would give him ample time to train (you know, assuming he doesn't die the first week on the streets) and, while he won't become as formidable as Bruce, he could still become a worthy hero. Who's to say Bruce couldn't help train him, either? Yes, he's considered dead back in the States, but being stealthy has never quite been an issue for him, has it?

Years could pass of him training "Robin" and when the Justice League movie comes around, we could see our movieverse equivalent of Nightwing / Robin. After all, Blake was a police officer, so maybe he'd want to add a hint of blue here and there to the armor. Yes, he wants to follow in Batman's footsteps, but there's no reason to believe he wouldn't want to be his own man as well. Slight changes to the costume can represent this and, in turn, become our nice little nod to Dick Grayson.

On the other hand -- and this is feels unlikely -- Blake could die while trying to sport the cowl. This tragedy could motivate Bruce to return to his crime fighting ways, and eventually become a part of the team when the time comes. Again, a fresh start would be the easiest way to approach this, but if this rumor holds true, it shouldn't be too tough to work with.

Where were the heroes in The Dark Knight Rises?

If Manhattan Gotham City was held hostage by a terrorist organization, you'd imagine Superman would swoop in and save the day, right? Or what about The Flash? He could move all of those trucks into the ocean before Bane even blinked. So, where were they? It's by all means an understandable question and it's clear Nolan's universe was intended to not include metahumans. However, this is something they can easily reverse. Truthfully, I doubt they'd even dive into it and just assume we'd accept it. But seeing as we're nitpickers, I'll try to tackle this one.

For all we know, the newsworthy events in Man of Steel could begin after the course of events in Batman's third film. Or, Clark could still be growing up while Bane held Gotham hostage. As for the rest of the roster, they were simply elsewhere or occupied with other matters. The Flash? Still discovering his powers. Aquaman? In Atlantis. Wonder Woman? On Themyscira and not worried about the troubles in "Man's World." Green Lantern? Off in space handling cosmic matters. Martian Manhunter? Hiding as John Jones. So on and so on.

Ultimately, I imagine this is something the general audience wouldn't care about, so don't be shocked if they don't bother addressing it (in the event this rumor is true, obviously).

Aren't Nolan's movies too realistic?

Are they really, though? Sure, Nolan made a franchise more grounded than the other comic book movie, but it was by no means "realistic." Batman went from broken to prime in an amazingly short amount of time and minimal care. A magic knee brace? Escaping that explosion with only seconds left? At the end of the day, having Bale (and possibly "Robin) pull off more impressive feats in a more "unrealistic" world really isn't that big of a deal in my eyes. If we're going to dive into a world where a man has heat vision or can shatter mountains with his fists, I really don't care if an insanely well trained human is pushing the limits of human potential... do you?

While I'd definitely prefer a brand new start for the Caped Crusader in Justice League, I do believe they can pull off making his recent trilogy canon. Although, no matter what the studio finally decide to go with, I think we can all agree we just want the movie to be well worth the wait. Well, that's my two cents about it. What about you, viners?

Gregg Katzman is a freelance writer for Comic Vine and IGN Entertainment. This is the part where he shamelessly plugs his Twitter page in hopes of getting a new follower or two.

I agree, although I liked the Nolan Batman, I'd rather Batman doing crazy stuff than trying to be more realistic. With CGI so good these days it could work. Batman could do the impossible and make it look good. And Bane should be CGI if he's to ever return to the big screen.

@k4tzm4n Why are you so against Bale doing this film? I have no bones per se with what you are advocating or the artistic license you're using. I'm curious.

It's nothing against Bale -- I think he did a fine job with the role. However, if it is Bale returning to the role, that means Nolan's trilogy is canon (or at least heavily implies it) and, like I say in the piece, I would prefer for Bale's story to begin with Begins and end with Rises. I think it's more fitting that way instead of drawing it out even further. I'm not against this rumor, I'd just prefer a fresh start for the character. In the end, I'll be happy with anything as long as the movie is well made, of course.

"Where were the heroes in The Dark Knight Rises?"

I always hate to hear this argument because its just comic book logic. Thats like asking where Superman is in every Batman issue.

I'd prefer a reboot batman to Bale coming back. They already said he was pretty broken down at the beginning of TDKR. But if they go off of TDKR it has to be Bale as Batman. Don't make Levitt's character the new Batman or something. If that happens the movie already fails.

I think the biggest issue with Nolan's Batman is that he was only ever intended to fight villains of certain power. Look at Bane, he's only half the size of his comic book counterpart and let's not forget Nolan's Batman struggled against the Joker's dogs. I just don't see a rational way that they can have the same Batman take on aliens, demons or Gods.

Really not happy about the rumour of Nolan's continued involvement with the DC Cinematic Universe. He doesn't have the vision or the knowledge to work with a more inclusive comic booky films. That's something his Batman films didn't have that were still good. Furthermore there are still way too many problems linking the 2 together and it would diminish Nolan's trilogy as a result. Well 2 good films and one shockingly mediocre, borderline terrible film but hey the Raimi films are still considered a trilogy.

As much as I enjoyed Nolan's movies, he should stay away from the DC movieverse. His goal was to made realistic Batman, and he did well (at least with Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises wasn't that good), but realistic Batman in the Justice League? That won't work. Also even if Christian Bale is about to play Bruce Wayne/Batman, please this time hire someone who actually can fight as his stunt double.

Bale should never be batman again (in fact in my honest opinion, he should have never been batman...ever). I am okay with Nolan involved the other DC movies, just would like Nolan Batman and DC universe to stay separate.

Nolan both blessed and screwed us. He said himself he made Batman as the only "hero" in the world and he and his production group (?) behind Man of Steel are doing the same thing, making Superman the only hero...no Gotham...no Keystone etc. I think introducing things or aspects of the DC universe into the movie would be good (Superman Returns the TV news mentions Gotham, Waller in GL) though cameos or whatever would be amazing, it's too early or too late for that depending on how you look at it.

@k4tzm4n: Define 'fine' for me, sir. Secondly - if you're not against the rumor that Bale will continue his story via this film then (after re-reading your article again for the third time) I don't understand your desire for a 'restart' to ensure we break from Nolan's 'canon'. As I'm typing I read it again - and I still don't understand your objection. If anything, your last contingency provides a great way to segue-way Bruce's rationale for returning once Gordon-Leavitt's character is killed in the line of duty - sort of an inversion to Bruce's response from Jason's death in The Dark Knight Returns.

It's a sound business decision to place Bale in the role - it offers market identity which translates to dollars. I just don't see a problem with either Nolan being involved nor Bale returning to the mantle. And if anyone does thematically they haven't been reading Batman for the last 5 years. Anyhow sir - I'm glad you are excited about the film.

Lastly - if anyone else on here in invoking any logic which indicates Nolan isn't comic savvy enough to boast chops for this film is being absurd. This man single handedly created the greatest comic-movie franchise of all time - creatively and critically. Movie studios like that. It also translates to dollars. Folks making a pretense to not enjoy the films and simultaneously claim to be a fan of the Bat mythos are lying to themselves and to those of us listening.

The reason this upsets me if true.....is because I want a more comic booky movie. Marvel has the perfect tone with their movies, and I'd like to see something similar from DC.

What I don't want a Batman in crazy bulky armor who isn't in the least a detective and doesn't seem to have above average intelligence. I want Batman in blue and grey, using some wonderful toys, working with Superman, Flash, GL, WW and MM. I don't see Nolan bring that to life, not without compromising the more fantastic heroes.

If Bale does reprise his role as batman it can't be related to the dark knight trilogy I feel that the charater is to old if my calculations are correct he is either 38 or 39 in tdkr and even though he could do it because batman it's one of those things that would bother me but as I said earlier If bale does retuen it has to be a new start he would need to be passed of as a thirty year old at least so that the studio could write more films provided that the JL film is successful. Now i love the idea of Nolan cominf in and being in charge of the DC universe he will absoultely be able to make better movies than marvel even though that is no easy feat. I personally want him to at least direct the JL film not to just be a consultant/prodoucer on the movies that will appear in this universe. And finally I think a robin could work they just need to make him loom like the arkham city robin which seems very beliveable.

Define 'fine' for me, sir. Secondly - if you're not against the rumor that Bale will continue his story via this film then (after re-reading your article again for the third time) I don't understand your desire for a 'restart' to ensure we break from Nolan's 'canon'. As I'm typing I read it again - and I still don't understand your objection. If anything, your last contingency provides a great way to segue-way Bruce's rationale for returning once Gordon-Leavitt's character is killed in the line of duty - sort of an inversion to Bruce's response from Jason's death in The Dark Knight Returns.

Certainly.

I have no major complaints about Bale's performance -- I think he's a talented actor. That said, I do believe the character wasn't written to his full potential (abilities as a detective, for example), but that's of course not Bale's fault. The latter is partially why I'd like a reset button for Batman. Simply put, I'd like for the character to have a more unrealistic tone because frankly, it is an unrealastic character. I think that's required for him to stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the roster. Now, this can of course be done with Bale, but having him will draw parallels to his original trilogy and that can be a slightly jarring experience if his representation undergoes changes (suddenly leaping across rooftops or recovering after strikes from superhumans, for example). It's not something that would ruin the experience for me... obviously I'm okay with anything as long as the end result is a good film. However, I do think it would be more fitting and almost refreshing to see a new take on the character.

It's a sound business decision to place Bale in the role - it offers market identity which translates to dollars. I just don't see a problem with either Nolan being involved nor Bale returning to the mantle. And if anyone does thematically they haven't been reading Batman for the last 5 years. Anyhow sir - I'm glad you are excited about the film.

Of course. You'll see no objection from me on that one. However, the point of this article wasn't to examine the best way to Warner Bros. to make a financially successful film ;) Thank you. It's absolutely something to be thrilled about.

Bale or not, all I want is for the movie, Justice League, to be as good as The Avengers with all the excitement and all that. That's what I want experience it! I cannot wait to see the whole casts, story, actions, etc.

The difficult part about making a movie "like Avengers" is that we had never seen a movie "like Avengers" before. Ask any crack head: that first rush can never be topped. The more they try to make it "like Avengers" the further down fail street they go. They'd be better off making it "it's own movie" "different than Avengers". That way we have Avengers, then we have something totally different in JL. That way, maybe JL can thrill us instead of underwhelming us. My first suggestion would be to totally abandon the global alien invasion thing. Even though it's JL and they are actually "larger" characters than the Avengers, I am thinking go smaller. Pit them against one insanely clever rogue - not named Joker or Luthor. Or maybe have one powerhouse villian kick all their butts individually and force them together. You know: a new idea.

Personally I want a new Batman all together, no continuation from Nolan's movies just a new setup. Now don't get me wrong, I loved the Dark Knight Trilogy, I just really want Bruce under the cowl with a new actor portraying him.

I don't think Nolan's Bat-canon lived and died on how grounded it was. I feel like "realistic" was always just a buzzword just like "dark" and "gritty" were. They basically all mean the same thing: we're taking the concept seriously. Bale kept saying the same thing for Batman Begins: "There is a lot of fun to be had about a guy who dresses like a bat, but we are doing something differently." As long as they treat the characters, threats, and themes with respect and seriousness, they could have used whatever superhuman element they wanted. So if Bale and Nolan want to join up the JLA, I would have zero problems, and I would need zero explanation.

LET US NOT FORGET THAT NOLAN'S BATMAN QUIT AND SAT ON HIS ASS FOR 8 YEARS BECAUSE HE WAS DEPRESSED ABOUT HIS GIRLFRIEND DYING... TELL ME HOW THAT IS ANYTHING LIKE THE REAL BATMAN?

Well to be fair similar things have been done in other Batman media. Batman Beyond had him giving up the mantle out of age and Batman returns too. This also coincides with TDKR as Bale's batman was not only depressed but his body was pretty much broken down too.

Well to be fair similar things have been done in other Batman media. Batman Beyond had him giving up the mantle out of age and Batman returns too. This also coincides with TDKR as Bale's batman was not only depressed but his body was pretty much broken down too.

Giving up due to age isn't the same as giving up because you had your feelings hurt.

@k4tzm4n Why are you so against Bale doing this film? I have no bones per se with what you are advocating or the artistic license you're using. I'm curious.

Because that would heavily imply that The Dark Knight is canon, and he wants a fresh start for Batman in the Justice League movie. However he also stated that he didn't mind that if they stretched human capabilities like they did to Black Widow/Hawkeye in The Avengers.

Why would the Justice League want a crippled hero w/ no intelligence, no fighting skills, and no detective skills part of their team? As enjoyable as BB and TDK were, Batman just sucked. Bruce was cool though, but he showed how dumb he is when he got fooled by both Selina and Talia in TDKR.

LET US NOT FORGET THAT NOLAN'S BATMAN QUIT AND SAT ON HIS ASS FOR 8 YEARS BECAUSE HE WAS DEPRESSED ABOUT HIS GIRLFRIEND DYING... TELL ME HOW THAT IS ANYTHING LIKE THE REAL BATMAN?

Well to be fair similar things have been done in other Batman media. Batman Beyond had him giving up the mantle out of age and Batman returns too. This also coincides with TDKR as Bale's batman was not only depressed but his body was pretty much broken down too.

Getting shot in the leg is now considered his body being broken? I'm sorry but I think you're confused.

And in Batman Beyond, he had to quit because he was unable to keep doing the job and was able to find a replacement who could.

LET US NOT FORGET THAT NOLAN'S BATMAN QUIT AND SAT ON HIS ASS FOR 8 YEARS BECAUSE HE WAS DEPRESSED ABOUT HIS GIRLFRIEND DYING... TELL ME HOW THAT IS ANYTHING LIKE THE REAL BATMAN?

He also took the blame for Harvey's death and others. The police came after Batman hard forcing him to retire. What followed was the Dent Act which stopped organized crime in Gotham. Blake makes a comment about the police chasing down overdue library books.

In Nolan's Gotham there was no real need for Batman before Bane showed up. Does that sound like Gotham to you? Your critique is flawed because you're under the impression that Nolan's Batman is in the DCU when it's Nolan's Batman in Nolan's Gotham and Batman mythos.

The same can be said about the short period of time that Bruce was Batman or that TDKR ends with Bruce leaving the mantle for someone else. In Nolan's universe it all makes sense and has been set up, build up and concluded. The DCU is a different matter...

Which is why I don't want to see Nolan's Batman in a Justice League movie. The two don't mix in together well. A clean slate is needed.

@k4tzm4n: Define 'fine' for me, sir. Secondly - if you're not against the rumor that Bale will continue his story via this film then (after re-reading your article again for the third time) I don't understand your desire for a 'restart' to ensure we break from Nolan's 'canon'. As I'm typing I read it again - and I still don't understand your objection. If anything, your last contingency provides a great way to segue-way Bruce's rationale for returning once Gordon-Leavitt's character is killed in the line of duty - sort of an inversion to Bruce's response from Jason's death in The Dark Knight Returns.

It's a sound business decision to place Bale in the role - it offers market identity which translates to dollars. I just don't see a problem with either Nolan being involved nor Bale returning to the mantle. And if anyone does thematically they haven't been reading Batman for the last 5 years. Anyhow sir - I'm glad you are excited about the film.

Lastly - if anyone else on here in invoking any logic which indicates Nolan isn't comic savvy enough to boast chops for this film is being absurd. This man single handedly created the greatest comic-movie franchise of all time - creatively and critically. Movie studios like that. It also translates to dollars. Folks making a pretense to not enjoy the films and simultaneously claim to be a fan of the Bat mythos are lying to themselves and to those of us listening.

Seriously there are good reasons for disputing this premise. Your Nolan fanboyism is laughably obvious for one. Two, it was the gritty realism that isolates Nolan's films from more comic booky films. Third, it's far from the most creatively comic book franchise as it's down to subjectivism. Fourthly, Bale's depiction of Batman was awful. More like Maguire's Spider-Man. So yeah that's destroyed your pathetic little argument as to how I can be a Batman fan and not be on board with all of Nolan's films. Nice try though but better luck next time with your awful whining

Nolan's Batman films are overated. I want a more fantastical Batman with his Rogues gallery. WB needs to get their collective heads out of their asses an start making good quality movies besides Batman. I want a JLA movie that's over the top, fantastical with some realism.

@MuyJingo: @Mr. Messy Face: You both missed the whole scene where a doctor told Wayne everything wrong with his body. And in Batman Beyond Bruce retired years before Mcguiness came. He was even reluctant to let Terry be batman.

In regards to "where he was," if Clark was alive and well and could have done something, he would have.

Personally, I think this whole rumor is BS. Nolan has said again and again that his trilogy was his baby, and will let nothing, including a JL film, effect it in any way, shape, or form. He could be the head of creative control or producer or whatever WB wants to make him, but there's no way they'd talk him into altering his already fine work. That being said, I also don't think Bale will come back either.

@MuyJingo: @Mr. Messy Face: You both missed the whole scene where a doctor told Wayne everything wrong with his body. And in Batman Beyond Bruce retired years before Mcguiness came. He was even reluctant to let Terry be batman.

I didn't miss that scene. The damage isn't why he retired. It was because of Rachel. He could stop being Batman and still not be a crazy hermit.....

Warner made zillions of dollars with the Nolan Batman films and they are terrified that the public will run away screaming if they don't get more of the same in a JLA film, even if BaleBat is about as competent as Ernest P. Worrel and just doesn't fit in with the rest of the JLA.

Movie with a space raccoon with giant guns, and talking tree, under control of marvel itself - yay

Forced movie from DC only being made because Marvel defied the odds with their success, despite the fact that all they got is 2.5 good batman movies, and 1 "POSSIBLY" good superman movie - nay.

Under the control of disney who are desperate to have a Space film to cover up there biggest failure John Carter of Mars, and a talking raccoon with giant guns! Think of the potential! disney eyes, whacking voice, spitting out pop culture references! think of the toys! WON'T SOMEONE THINK OF THE CHILDREN!